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Appendectomy Surgery
Relevant information about Appendectomy Surgery.
- What does the surgery consist on
The surgery consists on the removal of the vermiform appendix. This surgical procedure is, in the majority of the cases, performed as an emergency operation when the patient is suffering from appendicitis. The surgery can be performed by using two different methods: Laparoscopic surgery (which means that it is a minimal invasive procedure) or classical open surgery. The laparoscopic technique is used when the doctor is in doubt about the diagnostic. This procedure implies a shorter period of recovery, but it is more expensive.
- Which problem does the surgery solve
The surgery is used when the patient presents appendicitis or symptoms of it. Doctors believe that appendicitis begins when it exists a block in the opening from the appendix into the cecum. The blockage may appear for many reasons; one of it is the build-up of mucus in the organ. Other reason is the formation of bacteria that can infect the wall of the appendix. When the body starts a natural defense, responding to the infection, there will be an inflammation in the organ. What is serious about this situation is that, in both cases (inflammation and infection), the appendix can rupture. This rupture is dangerous because it will spread the infection throughout the abdomen. In some cases, the body can contain the healing of the appendicitis without needing a surgical procedure, and avoiding the spread into the entire body. This happens, generally in elder patients and with the help of antibiotics.
- How is the surgery performed
For performing an appendectomy, the surgeon will start by making an incision that will be located in the area where the appendix is situated. The surgeon will enter the abdomen and look for the appendix, generally located in the right lower abdomen. Once the surgeon has found it, he will remove it. This will be done by freeing the organ cutting its union with the colon. If an abscess presents, the pus will be drained by using special tubes. Finally, the incision will be closed by the surgeon. Other possibility for an appendectomy is making it laparoscopically. A laparoscopic appendectomy implies the use of a laparoscope; it is a thin instrument attached to a video camera that allows the surgeon to view inside the patient´s body. Once the appendix is found, it will be removed by passing thin instruments through the small incisions. A laparoscopic appendectomy brings many advantages, among them, a less post operative process; quicker healing of the wounds, and less pain felt during the recovery. Another advantage is that it allows the doctor to watch inside the body in order to determine if the patient needs a removal of the organ.
- Surgery lenght: The surgery is estimated to last from one to two hours. The operation will be performed under general anesthesia. The patient will be able to go home after two days from the operation. In most cases, the surgery is performed as an emergency, the patient will not get through a routine examination before the surgical procedure begins.
- How is the post surgery process
The post operative process is not complicated. It is probable that the patient will have to stay two days after the operation in order to have an adequate recovery. The benefit of being in the hospital is that a nurse will be taking care of the patient and checking if there is a right function of the body. The aim of staying in the hospital is to avoid a relapse during the post surgery process. Once the patient is able to leave the clinic, he/she will resume his/her activities as soon as the patient feels strong and healthy. If the patient feels an unusual pain after leaving the hospital or notices redness around the wound he/she will have to notify the doctor about the situation. It is probable that the doctor will arrange future visits in order to check the development of the recovery and of the patient´s health. It is not recommended to resume physical activity, at least after one month after the surgical procedure. It is probable that the patient may feel a little bit tired during the first week after the appendectomy.
The most common complication in an appendectomy is the infection of the incision. The gravity of the infection varies depending on the patient; some of them only present redness around the wound, while others have to take antibiotics to prevent the infection to get even worse. In few cases, the infection is so severe that the doctor will not close the incision at the end of the operation, because the wound is already infected. Instead, the surgical closing will be postponed and healed with antibiotic therapy. Another possible complication in an appendectomy is an abscess, which means a collection of pus located in the area of the appendix. To avoid this situation it is highly probable that the doctor will use a special catheter to drain the pus.
The surgery will remove the appendix that is causing pain to the patient and also that can be dangerous if it bursts. In cases where the doctor has doubts about if it is appendicitis or not, he/she will remove the appendix anyway. The surgery is done as an emergency in most cases because it is essential to remove the appendix quickly before it affects the rest of the body. Having an appendectomy will not affect the normal development of the patient's healtht; on the contrary it will considerably improve.
- What does the surgery not do
After the removal of the appendix, the doctor will close the incision without adding an implant or any strange object to the patient. The appendix is an organ that does not have a specific function and it is not necessary to be replaced. It is probable that the patient will have a normal recovery, and according to stadistics, there is a low average of complications after an appendectomy.
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